Welsh Guards to march through Swansea city centre

Soldiers from the Welsh Guards will be exercising their freedom to march through Swansea city centre on Friday afternoon (September 15).

Cllr Philip Downing, the Lord Mayor of Swansea, and Byron Lewis, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, will inspect the troops in Castle Square at noon before they march along Oxford Street, Dilwyn Street, St Helen's Road and Guildhall Road South on their way to the Brangwyn Hall with their drums beating and bayonets fixed.

The Lord Lieutenant will take a salute from the soldiers on Portland Street before the Lord Mayor takes a salute at Guildhall at about 1pm.

Rolling road closures will be in place on the day to accommodate the march.

Cllr Downing said: "Swansea has a proud, long-standing relationship with the Welsh Guards, that dates back to 1948 when they were first granted freedom of the city.

"Marches of this kind give Swansea people the chance to show much they appreciate everything our Armed Forces do to keep us safe and protect the freedom that we cherish, which is why I'd encourage as many people as possible to line the route and give their support.

"This march will be quite a spectacle, helping further reinforce an Armed Forces Community Covenant already in place that means the council is committed to providing practical and moral support to local veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families.

"These soldiers - several of whom are from Swansea - are serving their country with distinction, so Friday is an opportunity to recognise their service and sacrifice with a warm Swansea welcome."

An army video will also be shown on Castle Square's big screen on Friday afternoon.

The Welsh Guards, part of the Guards Division, is one of the Foot Guards regiments of the British Army. It was founded in 1915 by Royal Warrant of King George V. Just months later, they set sail for France to serve in World War One. The Second World War and the Falklands War are among the other conflicts they've served in since that time.